%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F13572%2Fimages%2F1709183922977402165370_744525861026151_7020759511892963830_n.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
Caught a nice redfish in New Smyrna Beach
Redfish Fishing in New Smyrna Beach
%2F%2Fusers%2F11799982-dc5c-4f49-8fce-9c3ff3dd2a27%2Fimages%2Fredfish-light-tackle-new-smyrna-8529.png&w=1200&q=75)
The Redfish (Sciaenops Ocellatus) is a popular gamefish found along the Atlantic coast and throughout Florida waters. These copper-colored fighters are prized for both their sporting quality and excellent taste. They're a staple catch in New Smyrna Beach's inshore and nearshore waters. - Redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and 10 to 45 pounds in weight. - They can be identified by their distinctive spot near the tail, which resembles an eye.
Fishing Charter by Captain Ryan Herbach in August
Meet your Captain Ryan Herbach
- NSB Fishing Charters: Premier Excursions & Trips
Summary
Monday June fishing in New Smyrna Beach delivered exciting action with On The Hunt Fishing Charter. Our offshore adventure with Captain Ryan Herbach proved successful as we landed a beautiful 23-inch redfish using light tackle. The partly cloudy skies created perfect conditions as we mixed bottom fishing, trolling, and live bait techniques. The Atlantic waters off New Smyrna Beach consistently produce quality fish, making this 4-hour charter ideal for anglers of all experience levels. Whether you're targeting hard-fighting gamefish or tasty bottom dwellers, Captain Ryan provides all the necessary gear and local knowledge to put you on fish. This summer fishing trip showcases why New Smyrna Beach remains a top Florida fishing destination - the coastal waters are teeming with opportunity and the offshore bite is heating up for seasonal species.
Fishing Charter with Ryan Herbach – Rates & Booking
Captain Ryan Herbach of On The Hunt Fishing Charter offers Monday June trips that deliver prime offshore action. This 4-hour adventure provides everything needed for a productive day on the water, including quality rods, reels, bait, and fishing licenses. The charter operates from North Causeway Boat Ramp aboard a well-equipped 23-foot Bluewave Purebay powered by a 200-horsepower Suzuki motor. Captain Ryan welcomes anglers of all skill levels, from first-timers to experienced fishermen, and specializes in putting guests on active fishing grounds just off the coast. This trip accommodates up to 2 guests comfortably. A deposit is required to secure your booking date, and these deposits are non-refundable.
Highlights of New Smyrna Beach Offshore Fishing Charter for Mahi-Mahi, Kingfish, and Grouper
This 4-hour offshore charter provides a complete Atlantic fishing experience. Captain Ryan leverages his extensive local knowledge to target multiple species using varied techniques like bottom fishing, trolling, and live bait fishing. The trip takes you to prime offshore locations where you'll have opportunities for both sport fishing and bringing home dinner.
The charter is perfectly equipped for offshore success with quality tackle matched to the targeted species. Summer months bring excellent opportunities for redfish like the 23-inch beauty caught on our recent trip. Captain Ryan's approach is hands-on, working closely with all guests to ensure they're comfortable with the equipment and fishing techniques being used.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish in New Smyrna Beach waters offer exciting light tackle action throughout the year. These powerful fighters are known for their strong runs and are often found near structure, channels, and along the flats. Summer months can be particularly productive as redfish feed actively in the warm waters. Captain Ryan targets them using both artificial lures and live bait depending on conditions and location.
When hooked, even a modest-sized redfish like our recent 23-inch catch will test your tackle and technique. They're a favorite among local anglers for both their sporting qualities and excellent table fare. The distinct copper coloration and characteristic tail spot make them easily identifiable and a prized catch during offshore charters.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your offshore adventure with On The Hunt Fishing Charter, plan to arrive at North Causeway Boat Ramp about 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Wear comfortable clothing, non-marking shoes, and bring sun protection including hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Captain Ryan provides all fishing equipment including quality rods, reels, and bait, so there's no need to bring your own gear unless you prefer to.
The 23-foot Bluewave Purebay offers a stable fishing platform with enough space for comfortable angling. A cooler with ice is available for your catch and personal beverages. Morning trips often provide the most comfortable conditions during summer months, with calmer seas and active fish. Don't forget your camera to document your catches, and Captain Ryan is happy to take photos of your fishing success.
Fishing in New Smyrna Beach: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, is a member of the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes. This iconic game fish is instantly recognizable by its copper-bronze coloration and distinctive black spot near the tail. In New Smyrna Beach waters this June, anglers target these powerful fighters for both sport and table fare.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are one of the most sought-after inshore game fish along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Their fighting ability, availability year-round, and delicious white flesh make them highly valued by recreational anglers. They're known for powerful runs when hooked and can be caught using various techniques in multiple environments.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These adaptable fish thrive in diverse environments including flats, backcountry areas, nearshore waters, and around structure. In New Smyrna Beach, they're commonly found around oyster beds, mangrove shorelines, channel edges, and occasionally venture offshore. Younger redfish often school in shallow water while larger specimens (bull reds) tend to be solitary and inhabit deeper channels and nearshore waters.
Redfish Size and Weight
Redfish typically measure between 30 and 61 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 45 pounds. The average catch in New Smyrna Beach waters tends to be in the 20-30 inch range (4-12 pounds), though trophy-sized bull reds exceeding 40 inches are occasionally landed offshore.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic feeders primarily consume crustaceans, smaller fish, and mollusks. They're often spotted "tailing" in shallow water as they root for crabs and shrimp in the bottom sediment. Redfish feed most actively during dawn and dusk hours but will strike throughout the day depending on tides and water conditions.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning typically occurs in late summer and fall when adult redfish gather in coastal waters and inlets. During this period, larger schools form near passes and inlets around New Smyrna Beach, creating excellent fishing opportunities. Water temperature between 70-75°F typically triggers spawning activity.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
For targeting redfish in New Smyrna Beach, several productive methods stand out. Live bait fishing with finger mullet, shrimp, or blue crabs works exceptionally well, especially around structure and deeper channels. Artificial lures including gold spoons, soft plastic jerkbaits, and scented soft plastics rigged weedless are go-to choices for sight fishing the flats. In June, anglers around New Smyrna Beach find success targeting redfish along mangrove shorelines during incoming tides and near deeper drop-offs as the tide falls.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offers excellent table fare with mild, sweet white flesh that flakes easily when cooked. It's versatile enough for various preparations including blackening, grilling, baking, and frying. The meat is low in fat, high in protein, and contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Smaller specimens (under 27 inches) generally provide the best eating quality.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish in New Smyrna Beach?
A: Live shrimp, finger mullet, blue crabs, and cut mullet are all excellent natural baits. For artificial options, gold spoons, scented soft plastics, and weedless jerkbaits consistently produce strikes.
Q: Where can I find redfish near New Smyrna Beach?
A: Target mangrove shorelines, oyster bars, channel edges, and dock structures during moving tides. In summer months, check flats during high tide and deeper channels as the tide falls.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish is considered excellent table fare with mild, sweet white meat that works well with many cooking methods. Smaller "slot-sized" fish generally offer the best eating quality.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish in New Smyrna Beach?
A: Redfish can be caught year-round, but spring and fall typically offer the most consistent action. Early morning and evening hours, particularly during moving tides, produce the best results.
Q: What's the Florida bag limit for redfish?
A: Always check current regulations, but typically one redfish per person within the slot size (18-27 inches) is allowed. Some areas have special regulations, so verify before keeping any fish.
Q: Do redfish have teeth?
A: Redfish have small crushing plates in their throats rather than sharp teeth. They use these to crush crustaceans and shellfish, meaning anglers don't need wire leaders when targeting them.
More species you can explore on this trip
On The Hunt Fishing Charter Available Trips
23-foot Bluewave Purebay with 200-horsepower Suzuki motor
